Michael Caine stars as veteran who escaped Hove care home

The Great Escaper tells the true story of Bernard Jordan, a charismatic pensioner who became a national news sensation in 2014 when he sparked a missing person search after leaving the Pines nursing home in Furze Hill, Hove.

Bernard, a Second World War submariner, mayor and long-serving Hove councillor, had jumped on a ferry with his passport and some savings and headed to Normandy for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Bernard Jordan escaped from his care home in Hove to pay his respects in Normandy

Sir Michael, 87 will play Bernard, while Glenda Jackson will star as his wife Irene.

Oliver Parker will direct the film with the screenplay written by William Ivory.

He said: “No-one can resist a script that makes people both laugh and cry – I loved Billy’s writing and the story itself, so inspirational and so moving, seemed to speak to our times and our need for heroes on a human scale, whether people like Bernard Jordan or our doctors and nurses.

Bernard Jordan and his wife Irene

“And now to have Michael and Glenda – two iconic actors – agree to honour this story with their brilliance, it’s the cherry on the cake.”

Bernard made front page news across the world, and received more than 3,000 cards from well-wishers on his birthday, that came just days after his exploits.

In July 2014, he was made an honorary alderman of the city in recognition of his service as a Hove borough councillor for 23 years as well as serving as mayor in 1995 to 1996.

The war hero died in 2015 at the age of 90.

Filming of The Great Escaper will begin in June with entertainment company Pathe planning to present the movie at the upcoming European Film Market in Berlin.

Sir Michael is a two-time Oscar winner – he picked up best supporting actor gongs for Hannah And Her Sisters and The Cider House Rules.

While Jackson also boasts two Academy Awards. She won best actress for Women In Love and A Touch Of Class.